What is a Presbyterian?

A Presbyterian in the context of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (PCUSA) is a Christian who belongs to a Protestant denomination that traces its theological and ecclesiastical roots to the Reformation of the 16th century, particularly to the work of John Calvin and John Knox.

Here’s a brief overview of what it means to be Presbyterian in the PC(USA):

🔹 Core Identity

  • Reformed, Protestant, Catholic Theology: The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a Reformed and Protestant denomination rooted in the deep catholic (universal) church tradition and Reformation theology. Presbyterians affirm God’s sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, and salvation by grace through faith. Central to our belief is the priesthood of all believers—every member is called to ministry and guided by the Holy Spirit in community. Our theology emphasizes worship, justice, and service as expressions of God's love in the world.

  • A Constitutionally Connected Church: The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a constitutionally connected church, governed by shared leadership through four interdependent councils: Session (local), Presbytery (regional), Synod (intermediate), and General Assembly (national). (Link to Constitution online)

  • The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is deeply committed to Christian unity and actively engages in ecumenical relationships. We partner with other denominations and faith traditions in worship, mission, and dialogue, affirming that the Church of Jesus Christ is one body with many members.

🔹 Governing Structure

  • “Presbyterian” comes from presbyteros, Greek for “elder.” Elders are elected and ordained to lead the church spiritually and govern it together in councils.

    • Elders are congregation members elected to serve on the Session, the governing body of the local church. After being ordained, they may be elected to serve at the higher councils of the Church. With training, some elders may be commissioned by a presbytery to serve as a pastor to a congregation or to celebrate the Eucharist/Holy Communion in the absence of a pastor.

    • Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Pastors are ordained elders consecrated to the perpetual ministry of preaching, teaching, administering the sacraments, and spiritual leadership. They are members of a presbytery and may be elected to serve at any council level of the Church.

    • Deacons are also elected and ordained locally to ministries of compassion and service, but do not govern.

    • Active members and Baptized members are all called to forms of ministries. Active members can vote in congregation meetings and be considered for ordained ministries (elder, minister/pastor, deacon).

  • The church emphasizes collective decision-making, shared discernment, and mutual accountability.

  • A system of councils governs the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)—Session, Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly—that operate with mutual accountability. Each council provides oversight and support to the ones below it, serving as a system of checks and balances to ensure faithful decision-making, transparency, and unity across the church.

  • The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) maintains a Church Discipline section within its Constitution to uphold justice, accountability, and reconciliation within the church. Each council (Session, Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly) must have a Judicial Commission, which functions as an ecclesiastical court. These commissions serve as arbitration bodies to resolve disputes, address disciplinary matters, and ensure that church leaders and members are held to the standards of faith and conduct, always seeking restoration and the community's peace and communal unity.

🔹 Theology and Worship

  • Worship is typically liturgical but varies by congregation. The Constitution’s Directory for Worship regulates all worship (provides the theological framework and requirements), and the Book of Common Worship serves as an aid with orders of worship and prayers.

  • The Sacraments celebrated are:

    • Baptism (infant or adult)

    • The Lord’s Supper (a.k.a. Holy Communion or The Eucharist)

    • Confirmation, Penance/Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Ordained Ministry, and Marriage are not sacraments but pastoral acts that point to the sacramental theology of baptism and holy communion (i.e., sacramentals). See Chapter 4, Directory for Worship.

  • Our Constitution, composed of the Book of Confessions and Book of Order, guides beliefs and practices.

  • Scripture is central, interpreted through the lens of Jesus Christ, the Reformed tradition expressed in the Constitution, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

🔹 Mission and Justice

  • PC(USA) is known for its emphasis on social justice, education, peacemaking, and compassion for the marginalized.

    • The denomination supports ministries in hunger relief, racial justice, climate care, refugee resettlement, and more.

    • Presbyterians believe faith must be lived out in the public square, working for a more just and loving world.

🔹 Inclusivity and Diversity

  • The PC(USA) ordains women and men as ministers, elders, and deacons.

  • The denomination is committed to inclusion across race, gender, and orientation, striving to reflect God’s love for all people.

In short, A Presbyterian in the PC(USA) is

a Christian who lives out their faith in a community

governed by elected elders,

shaped by Reformed theology,

and committed to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ,

With justice, compassion, and peace.

Our Connection to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Southminster is a member of the Presbytery of Milwaukee and other Presbyterian churches in the southeast corner of Wisconsin. Each church is allowed the number of ministers on staff plus an equal number of elders to act as commissioners at four scheduled Presbytery meetings.

The Synod of the Lakes and Prairies includes our Presbytery and 15 other Presbyteries in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. Ministers and elders represent each Presbytery at the Synod's meetings.

The Presbyterian Church (USA )'s Synods comprise the General Assembly. Two ministers, two elders, and one youth delegate represent the Milwaukee Presbytery at the biannual meetings of the General Assembly.

Southminster, as a part of The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is in full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the United Church of Christ, the Reformed Church in America, the Moravian Church (North and South Provinces), and member churches of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. We are also in Covenant Partnership with member churches of Churches Uniting in Christ, and a deepening Ecumenical Agreement with The Episcopal Church.

Adopted by the Session 11/24/15

Read more about who we are at https://pcusa.org/about-pcusa/who-we-are